Fire Station 13

Thirteen years ago today, May 31, 2013, the Houston Fire Department experienced its darkest day.

A five-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn on the Southwest Freeway brought crews from Stations 51 and 68 to what would become the deadliest incident in HFD history. As firefighters worked to search and suppress the blaze, the roof collapsed, trapping crews inside.

Four firefighters were killed that day. A fifth, Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling, lost both legs in the fire and passed away in 2017 from complications related to his injuries.

We remember Captain Matthew Renaud, Engineer Operator Robert Bebee, Firefighter Robert Garner, Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, and Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling.

They sacrificed everything. We will never forget.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful mothers out there! Especially those who are serving communities all over the world today!

Happy international firefighters day! And for all yall nerds out there, May the 4th be with you

Way to step up brother!

Congratulations and thank you for your service of over 36 years to the city of Houston! You have worked at firehouse 13 in Oak Forest for 20 and you will be missed brother. You have definitely earned this retirement.

A moment in HFD history

55 years ago today, shortly after midnight, HFD answered its very first EMS call. Do you know what it was?

A woman in labor.

Dispatched from Station 19 to 1818 Brackenridge St., Firefighters Glen Morris and Otis Owens responded to what would become a defining moment in Houston history. They delivered a healthy baby and transported two patients that night, mom and newborn, marking the birth of Houston EMS in every sense of the word.

It's worth noting that Houston EMS was built on the backs of doctors and firefighters with battlefield medicine experience, with a heavy emphasis on trauma response. The landmark 1966 National Academy of Sciences white paper that helped shape modern EMS, "Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society," painted a grim picture of accident fatalities and the urgent need for organized emergency care.

And yet, the very first call wasn't a shooting, a crash, or a cardiac arrest. It was a new life coming into the world.

55 years later, HFD EMS continues to answer the call, whatever that call may be.

Rest in peace brother

Great Heights is one of our favorite places on Wakefield! Come out and support local.

Let’s go! And don’t forget that this fundraiser is about community and supporting local. William Price Distilling is an amazing place that supports community and firefighters. Can’t wait to see yall out there on Saturday!